Camp FAQs

Important information about KODA Camp!

Why is a $200 deposit required by March 15^th to secure a spot at camp?                                                                                    We need to know how many kids are attending to make sure we have enough counselors. Wisconsin law states that there must be 1 counselor to every 7 kids – This camp is 1 counselor to 6 kids. The deposit is nonrefundable.

What is weather like in Wisconsin in July?!                                                                                                                                            HOT – the weather here can fluctuate between 60-90 degrees! Be sure to pack long pants, long sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, as well as shorts, short sleeved t-shirts, tank tops, etc. Make sure to bring a swimsuit or two. There are TONS of mosquitoes and sun, so bring a can of bug spray and sun block!

Can my child bring their cell phone?                                                                                                                                                             NO CELL PHONES! If your child needs to contact you in case of an emergency, or you need to contact them, the children can ask for a phone call or you can contact Karen and a phone call can be arranged.

Can I call my child while they’re at camp?                                                                                                                                           Parents are welcome to email Karen at Koda.Karen@gmail.com, or VP at 608-234-5049 to check on the well being of their children. For the most part, the kids will be too busy to make or receive phone calls. Karen will send emails nearly every day with updates. Each day the kids will have time to write letters home. Be sure to write at least one letter to your child during camp!

If I want to fly my child to camp, where is the nearest airport?                                                                                              Madison is the closest, about 20 minutes away. Milwaukee is 1 1/2 hours away.   It is ideal to have your kid to land between 10 am and 2 pm on the first day of the camp.  On the last day, the time to fly out should be after noon to give us time to bring the kids back to the airport.  An email will be send to the parents confirming the pickup. Kids are very precious to us!

Where is the MacKenzie Center?
The center is exactly EAST of Poynette, WI on County CS.  Highway 51 runs through Poynette.  Highway 22 runs from Highway 51 to Wyocena.  County CS is intersected between both Hwy 51 and 22 and the MacKenzie Center is right in the middle.  It is best to look at a paper map, or to use Google Maps (http://maps.google.com/) or Mapquest (http://mapquest.com).

Where do the kids sleep?                                                                                                                                                                                 There are 4 cabins – 2 for boys, 2 for girls. Each cabin has 15 beds. Each kid needs his or her own sleeping bag and pillow.

How much cash should my child bring?
On Registration Day, each camper’s money is collected by the office manager for safekeeping. Each day the kids can withdraw spending money. We prefer that parents bring the cash in increments of 10’s, 5’s, and 1’s. On days that we have outings, such as Mount Olympus, the kids might want to spend their money on food, drinks, souvenirs, etc. $40 is a safe bet, but it is up to each individual family how much money to bring.

Mount Olympus is huge! Will my child be safe there?
The theme park IS very big, however, we do head counts at certain times throughout the day as well as keeping one counselor responsible for 6 kids during the whole day so nobody wanders off by themselves.

What should my child pack?
What should my child pack? PLEASE pack enough clothes for 2 weeks. If necessary, clothes can be washed halfway through camp. One mesh laundry bag is preferable for laundry days. Each child should bring their own shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, body soap, shaving cream, brush, hairspray, personal items, etc. A flashlight and camera (either digital or disposable) are musts!For a more detailed list please see the Kid’s Page. (http://kodacamp.wordpress.com/kids-page-2/)

Is there medical staff on site?
The law requires there to be staff with CPR and First Aid Certification on site 24/7. Be sure to list any medical conditions campers may have so that we can be prepared to help them at all times.

What kinds of activities can be done on the campground?                                                                                                                  All kinds! We have a softball field, volleyball court, team building, basketball, football, Kodaball. And much more!

What is the schedule for the 2 weeks of camp?                                                                                                                                        The first day of camp is Registration Day beginning at 1pm. Besides that there will be a trip to Mount Olympus on one day, a swimming pool another, and possibly other outings. On other days the kids will do team building, arts & crafts, and PE. The last day of camp the kids should be completely off the campground by NOON. Be prepared for the kids to drag their feet – it might take up to 2 hours to get your child completely packed and in the car!

What is Parent’s Night?                                                                                                                                                                                Parent’s Night is on the last night of camp! All parents should try to come if possible. Plan to arrive around 4pm to eat dinner with your kids. After the festivities the kids go to the campfire – Parents are NOT allowed to follow! Instead, parents will get together to talk about anything! Parents ARE allowed to stay overnight at the cabins, so let Karen know if you plan on doing this so we can make sure there is enough space. Bring your own sleeping bags and pillows!

There is a motel in town (about two miles away), about 10 rooms – book early!

If you’d like to camp on the Dishno Acres, let Karen know – bring a tent!

What happened to Bert Pickell?
Nothing! Bert ran the camp for 12 years, and it broke his heart to leave, but he really wants to make his company PahVRS successful.

Any other questions? Feel free to ask!